Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of “A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush” (without using the actual phrase or literal example). (01/10/08)
-
TITLE: Sometimes, There is a Choice | Previous Challenge Entry
By Rita Garcia
01/17/08 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Margie sat two thermoses on the workbench. “It’s really frosty out this morning. They’re predicting snow for Christmas.” She opened one thermos and poured them a cup of coffee.
His mouth turned up at the corners. “You’re going to keep me company?” Having Margie close by was his favorite perk of having his workshop next to their home. Time had given him comfort his choice.
“I can’t wait for Christopher and Katie to get here: I can watch for them from here.”
“He’s quite the grandson, and driving here on his own for the first time. It’s the first year we haven’t gone to pick the kids up for Christmas break.” Jed looked out toward the road.
“I do believe Christopher’s in love,” she said.
“Did I miss something? The kid just turned seventeen.”
“I’m talking about the car we bought for him for his birthday.”
The silkiness of her laugh was something Jed had always enjoyed, as he watched the light dance in her blue eyes. “There’s nothing like a guy getting his first set of wheels, that’s a fact.”
“Okay now, don’t go sounding sexist. We’ll be getting a car for our Katie in a couple of years, and our granddaughter will be just as excited.”
“Point taken.” He enjoyed the warmth of the coffee.
On cue, they heard the SUV turn into the drive. Christopher and Katie jumped out, almost before the engine turned off. They watched with pleasure, this tall, young man, their first grandchild, and his adorable younger sister with her golden hair.
“Grandma, Grandpa, wow, its cold.” Christopher gave his grandmother a hug and kiss before embracing his grandfather. Of course, Katie headed straight for her grandpa.
“I have some hot coco to warm you up.” Margie said.
“Let’s go in the back … it’s warmer away from the door.” Jed turned towards the back and then stopped. Margie had other plans.
“I do believe Katie and I will leave you and Christopher to visit. Katie, you want to drive into town with me?”
Katie’s big grin said it all, as she headed for the door of the shop.
“How about bringing back lunch from Charley’s,” Jed said.
“You got it.” Margie leaned in and kissed both her men before leaving.
“What are we making this year grandpa?” Christopher walked around the workshop, anxious to see what his grandfather had been working on.
Jed watched his grandson as he caressed the pieces of wood in way that only someone with a love of the craft would do. “You have something in mind?”
“I’d like to make Mom and Dad a set of spindle rockers like the ones on your front porch. Mom mentioned she wants a couple of rockers for the porch of the new cabin.”
“Sounds like a plan. I made those rockers as a gift for your grandmother on our first anniversary, I was in awe at the thought of her being pregnant with your mom.”
“Grandpa, did you always know you wanted to make furniture?”
“Pretty much. The rockers were among my first pieces. In those days I worked in the garage in my spare time.”
“Mom says a big company tried to buy your designs and hire you.”
“Yeah, and it was a tempting offer. Only I couldn’t picture myself sitting in an office drawing designs.”
“Mom says you would have been financially set.”
“Possibly.” Jed picked up the thermos and filled his cup. “In the end it was the love of wood, the smell of wood, and the feel of wood. It made the decision simple.”
“Mom says some of her greatest memories are spending time with you here in the workshop.”
“Well, son, I think you hit on it, you can’t put a value on memories.” Jed took a sip off coffee, blinking back the tears. “Let’s get to work on those rockers, son.”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
I felt so much at home with your healthy dialogue...I felt like being among you, pulling a chair , and waiting for my cup of coffee. It is a great artcle.
A few nitpicks: the smell probably filled both his nostrils (unless he's congested), and "cocoa" instead of "coco."
The relationship between the mature couple is beautifully portrayed.